Unpr0tected l0vemaking puts lovers at
health risks due to the prevalence of diseases as a result of infidelity
among partners most times.
During the heat of s*xual ecsta$y,
things can really go fast from f0replay to s*x and partners may not even
remember to use c0nd0ms.
Unprotected s*x is s*xual intercourse
without the use of a barrier method of contraception. This can be either
the male or the female c0ndom. Unprotected s*xual interc0urse increases
the risk of contacting/ transmitting HIV, STD and unwanted pregnancy.
I have seen a lot of people overwhelmed
with anxiety after having unprotected $exual intercourse with some
indulging in acts that does not only sound ridiculous but also increases
their chance of contacting STD or even affecting their health
adversely. Douching is one of such. Generally, women are discouraged
from douching because it alters the normal bacteria flora of the v*gina
which keeps it healthy and free from invading pathogens.
If you douche after s*x, it increases
the chance of contacting STD and it doesn’t prevent pregnancy and HIV
infection. Myths like ingestion of herbal medicines, insertion of
caustic soda, ingesting OTCs like ampicillin and aspirin have not been
proven scientifically to be effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies
and infecti0n with STD. In this article, we will review on things you
must do if you have unprotected s*x.
1. Take Emergency contraceptive pills
This is one of the surest ways of
preventing unwanted pregnancy after having unprotected sexual
intercourse. You will have to take emergency contraceptives in form of
emergency contraceptives pills. Emergency contraceptive pills also
referred to as morning after pills are is used to prevent pregnancy.
There can be obtained with a doctor’s prescription or as an over the
counter drug (OTC) in drug stores. A commonly used form of EC is
Postinor 2 which is taken within 72 hours after having unpr0tected $exual interc0urse. It contains Levonorgestrel which is a synthetic form
of a female reproductive hormone that prevents implantation hence
pregnancy doesn’t occur.
2. Ask for an Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)
If after 72 hours, then you must contact
your health care provider for an emergency IUD. IUD is tiny rod-like
devices inserted into the uterus (womb) by your doctor. There distort
cervical mucus and prevents the implantation of the egg. If inserted
properly and within 5 days, it is highly effective with an efficacy rate
of about 98%. It is important to note that EC and IUD don’t give any
protection nor prevent STD and HIV infection.
3. Test for STD and HIV
Fears of infection with STD or the
dreaded killer disease HIV is heightened after unprotected sexual
intercourse. It is mandatory that you test to screen for STD and HIV. If
possible, such test should be conducted with your s*xual partner. STD
to be tested for includes Hepatitis B and C, gonorrhea, syphilis and
chlamydia. This can be carried out with blood samples or via a vaginal/
penile swab. However, results gotten from an early test are inconclusive
hence test must be repeated after 6 months for cases of HIV and
Hepatitis. Testing after having unprotected s*xual intercourse allays
fear/ anxiety and increases the chance of early diagnosis, prevention
and treatment of $exually transmitted disease.
4. Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP is essential after a high risk
unprotected $exual intercourse. This includes cases of rape by an
unknown assailant, s*xual intercourse with an individual living with HIV
or unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner with known multiple
s*xual partners. You must visit a health facility that provides such
services and after counseling and series of test, you will be commenced
on PEP for a duration of one month. The drugs have been noted to be 99%
effective in preventing HIV if commenced within 72 hours. PEP provides
protection against HIV but not to other STD. However, you will have to
do another HIV test after 6 months to be declared free from the deadly
disease.
5. Keep calm and watch for symptoms
Unprotected s*x may happen unexpectedly
or as a result of carelessness from both partners. Once it has occurred,
there is little of no need for panic. You should keep calm and watch
out for symptoms after undergoing the initial screening test for STD and
HIV. Symptoms make take 2 weeks or more to manifest. If after
unprotected s*x, you begin to experience v*ginal itching, v*ginal or
penile discharge, severe burning pain on urinating, sores or ulcers
around your external genitals then it is advisable that you consult your
doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
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